Rising majestically from the plains of the northern New Territories, the two volcanic ridges of Tai To Yan and Kai Kung Leng jointly make up the Lam Tsuen Country Park and, despite offering truly stunning panoramic views and a healthy heartbeat, host some of the least walked hiking trails in Hong Kong. Kai Kung Leng or Cockscomb Ridge, in particular, sees few visitors. A fact which can be squarely attributed to the obscurity of the trail heads....

It is just a short bus ride from the old market town of Sheung Shui past the manicured greens of the Hong Kong Golf Club and the vegetable fields of the northern New Territories to the place in the middle of nowhere, where we begin our hike.

After a short flight of concrete stairs, we turn onto a small dirt path. For the initial few hundred metres, the path is partially overgrown, but we soon find ourselves gaining altitude on windswept and boulder strewn grassy slopes. As we climb, we look back at the small farms on the plain below and across the valley towards the parallel Tai To Yan Ridge. Approaching the summit of Kwai Kok Shan, we make out Hong Kong's highest peak, Tai Mo Shan, off to the south while Shenzhen, in mainland China, spreads out below us to the north.

At the western end of the ridge, our gaze takes in historic Kam Tin, the Yuen Long Plain and the checkerboard that is the fish farms and shrimp ponds of Nam Sang Wai and Mai Po. All of which is bordered by the calm waters of Deep Bay.

The descent from Cockscomb Ridge is a little tricky in places, but we will take it easy and soon reach the fertile Pat Heung basin where rich vegetable plots share the space with Qing Dynasty buildings. Here we suggest ending the outing with a late lunch at a village restaurant in Kam Tin, before making our way back to the city by train or bus.

Snack breaks and picnic lunch en route.Optional late lunch at a small local restaurant in Kam Tin (12.5 km) - not included.

Note:

While we will be walking along the very ridge of Kai Kung Leng, the slopes are not too precipitous.

Disclaimer

Participants on all Hansen's Events' hikes and rides take part entirely at their own risk. By joining any of our events all participants are automatically seen to have agreed to have entered into a disclaimer which exonerates the outing leaders and the organizers from any personal or public responsibility whatsoever and for any claims, injuries or damages arising thereof.